Believe it or not, 2016 is an Olympic year and it’s been a whole four years since the London Olympics. Any city that hosts the Olympics usually sees a huge boost in tourism, and benefits from a wide range of new facilities.
As well as sports stadiums being improved and built, the public transport in Olympic cities usually has vast improvements. Regardless of the fact that Rio is hosting the Olympics, it’s an amazing destination to visit, and one that should definitely be on your bucket list. Here’s some info about what to do in Rio, and how the presence of the Olympics will have an impact on this mesmerising and infectious city.
Changes to Rio city in preparation for the Olympics
In preparation for the Olympics, Rio has built two new Olympic Parks and eight new sports venues will open for business during the upcoming test events. The city will benefit hugely from all these brand new sports venues. The new home of the Olympic Basketball will be tested in the next week, it’s the first new Rio venue of 2016 to be unveiled.
As well as the introduction of fantastic new sporting venues, Rio’s transportation system has received an upgrade ready for the games. The Joá highway is being enlarged, new cycle routes are being added and the Transoeste line is one of three new rapid bus services being added. All of these changes are welcomed additions for tourists looking to get around the city more easily.
What to see and do in Rio
Rio is a bustling city, with over fourteen million citizens. The locals are very proud of their city, so much so that they call it the ‘wonderful city’. Rio is a fabulous holiday destination for so many reasons, the world class beaches, stunning mountain views, lush rainforest and endless attractions all add to the city’s charm.
Brazil’s largest city is also home to some pretty spectacular and well-known landmarks. Rio is also world famous for its annual carnival, which is probably the best carnival of them all. Carnival in Rio de Janeiro takes place at the beginning of February and features colourful displays, amazing outfits, extravagant floats, samba music and spectacular dancing.
Rio has a rich cultural and historical heritage, and is home to a fantastic selection of museums including the aerospace museum and the National Historical Museum. They have also recently opened the Museum of Tomorrow, a brand new attraction in the port area, in preparation for the influx of visitors.
If you fancy a night out, you will be impressed with the colourful nightlife in Rio. There are plenty of charismatic bars and venues where you can party the night away. Some of the most famous beaches in Rio include Copacabana Beach, and the slightly more chilled Barra Da Tijuca Beach where you can do all sorts of water sports. Coca cabana Beach will be hosting the triathlon, beach volleyball, open water swimming, Para triathlon and road cycling time trials.
You simply cannot go to Rio without making your way up to the top of Corcovado Mountain, where you can marvel at Christ the Redeemer, a 38 metre high monument at the peak of the mountain. It’s here that you can take in the true beauty of this city and admire the jaw-dropping views.
Sugarloaf Mountain is also well worth a visit, you can either walk to the top or catch a Gondola up to witness stunning views of the city. For a moment of calm, head to the Botanical Gardens. It’s a lush area filled with green trees, plants, ponds, fountains and statues.
So what are you waiting for? Book your flights to Rio before it’s too late and be in this city whilst the Olympics take place. Soak up the atmosphere, go and see a few events, and while you are there make the most of this captivating city.
If you don’t want to go during the Olympics, maybe head out beforehand and witness some of the test events when the city isn’t quite so packed. Search our website for deals on flights to Rio and book a holiday of a lifetime with Globehunters.